Darlene Johns Obituary

December 19, 1958 - March 13, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Darlene Johns (Roberts), who departed this life on March 13, 2025, at the age of 66 at her home with her loving family by her side every step of the way.
Darlene was born on December 19, 1958, and from a young age, she demonstrated exceptional intelligence, ambition, and compassion. Darlene had a heart of gold, was a caring sister and a standout scholar, deeply involved in academics and leadership, serving as President of the National Honor Society and Business Manager for the Echoes Literary Staff. She was recognized by the Society of Distinguished American High School Students and Who's Who Among American High School Students and was an active participant in Student Court, Planning Committee, and the Principal's Advisory Board, and published in many national newspapers for her academic accomplishments.
Darlene graduated as Valedictorian of East Orange High School in East Orange, New Jersey in 1976 and her exceptional academic achievements earned her acceptance into nearly every Ivy League university, including Harvard, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, and Yale. However, her compassion led her to pursue an education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study biomedical engineering with a goal of developing prosthetic limbs for injured soldiers.
Following the passing of her beloved husband in 1996, Darlene wanted to embrace a new challenge and enrolled at the Chubb Institute (1996-1998) where she not only graduated at the top of her class but successfully transitioned into a career as a backend software engineer. Later on in life, Darlene's love of learning continued and she pursued more technical education at the University of Toledo where she was inducted into an academic honor society. Her resilience, intellect, and dedication to innovation defined her remarkable journey, leaving a lasting impact and legacy in the field of technology.
Darlene's life was marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. She became a hero to many after bravely battling a life-threatening illness, entering hospice care in 2008, and defying all odds by winning that battle. Her survival ignited a 17-year journey into healing and activism, where she became an inspiration to countless individuals. Her advocacy and perseverance culminated in receiving the Inaugural Living Legend Award on December 1, 2022, honoring her for living with HIV for more than 35+ years.
Darlene Johns was a staple in the lives of many, offering wisdom, humor, and unwavering support to those around her. She loved animals, coffee, deep discussions, board games, and laughter, always bringing joy to others and had the quickest, sharpest wit known to mankind. Even in the face of challenges, she met every appointment with a smile, offering hope to those fighting similar battles and she never knew a stranger-- everyone was an opportunity to meet a new friend.
Darlene is survived by her daughters, Fallon Stephanie Williams (Kerwin) and Nicole Evette Jackson (Jamalia). She was a devoted grandmother to Indonesiya Nia McCross, Nicholas Ryan Johns, Jaylin Alexander Johns and Selah Marie Wilson, and a loving great-grandmother to Rayne Nicole Smith-Johns. She leaves behind her beloved mother, Madeline Roberts, and siblings: Theresa Roberts, Keisha Roberts, Ricky Roberts, and Lashanda Roberts, as well as her lifelong best friend, Bambi Banks. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Roberts and husband, Glenn Johns.
Darlene was an incredible mother, a brilliant woman, a loving daughter, and above all, a fighter with unshakable faith in God and fierceness that touched the world around her. She will be deeply missed and forever adored by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rest in power, Mommy.
Your love, strength, and spirit are timeless and shaped lives.